English

Jenny Berry

17 September, 08:45

Part 1: A Comedy of Manners: The Importance of Being Earnest:

Jack. May I ask you then what you would advise me to do? I need hardly say I would do anything in the world to ensure Gwendolen's happiness.

Lady Bracknell. I would strongly advise you, Mr. Worthing, to try and acquire some relations as soon as possible, and to make a definite effort to produce at any rate one parent, of either sex, before the season is quite over.

Jack. Well, I don't see how I could possibly manage to do that. I can produce the hand-bag at any moment. It is in my dressing-room at home. I really think that should satisfy you, Lady Bracknell.

-The Importance of Being Earnest,

Oscar Wilde

In three to four sentences, explain how this passage uses humor to critique Victorian views about the importance of family.